Warning over counterfeit coins

According to Royal Mint, there are often a number of clues in the general appearance of counterfeit 1 coins. These include: The date and design on the reverse should correspond.

A list of designs and dates is available on the Royal Mint website.

They include the lettering or inscription on the edge of the coin should also correspond to the right year; the milled edge may be poorly defined or the lettering uneven in depth and spacing; the design on either or both the observe and reverse sides may be poorly defined; where the coin should have been in circulation for some time, the colouring may appear more shiny and golden than normal with little sign of ageing.

Some of the fakes previously seen by police consisted of Isle of Man or Jersey 1p coins inserted into a metal 'jacket' made to look like a 1 coin. These coins may rattle if shaken and copper coins will stick to them.

Anyone with information about counterfeit coins or banknotes should contact the nearest police station.